3rd & 4th Grade: Take Two!

Camp fire always has been a highlight of the King Solomon experience, and the 3^rd and 4^th graders this past week were scheduled to surround its warmth Monday evening. As we made our way out to the peaceful place in God’s creation, sounds of an acoustic guitar and bongo drum filled the cool evening air. Serenity.  Just as we were settling down for worship, a tender little girl came up to me and said she felt sick. As we made our way to find the nurse, we chatted about her time at camp. Upon finding the nurse, soothing words and Tums were administered, and we soon headed back to the campfire. When we got closer, we heard something pure, something genuine, something words truly can’t describe. The melodies rising to our majestic God from those children was one of the most precious sounds known to man. In the midst of God’s handiwork, His people praised Him.

The lesson I learned from the little girl is one I won’t soon forget. Although her timing might have at first seemed like an interruption, I believe that it was more of an appointment divinely set up by God. She had such a pure perspective on faith, and her heart inspired me. Do you remember a time when you were “inconvenienced,” and God used it to teach you?

Maybe that’s the way we should view all of our trials—as divine appointments designed by God. James 1:2 tells us to consider trials “pure joy.” It’s a lesson I think He will continue to teach us, and we must continue to learn. The 3^rd and 4^th graders this past week were able to learn from the book of James as well. On Sunday evening, the main session in the chapel targeted the tongue. The students were asked how do we make sure that we say words bring healing and do not hurt like a sword? A timely question for all of us.

Monday’s lesson directed campers to think about their faith along with their deeds. What are some ways that we can show God’s love in our actions at home? At school? With our friends? With strangers? James talks about showing your faith through your actions. How do those actions show your faith/belief in/love for God? That evening students engaged in the message based on James 4:4-10. They were asked can we have a friendship with the world and friendship with God? The answer was no. It’s a choice we have to make. If we choose to have a lasting friendship with God, we can be saved from eternal separation from Him. When we choose to be a friend of God and turn our back on the world, we receive the gift of eternal life with God.

Not only were the campers able to listen to meaningful messages, they were also able to participate in fun activities during their time at camp. They crafted beaded bracelets, played Bible games, swam at the Solomon pool, sang songs, and had the opportunity to listen to Mr. and Mrs. Phil McAfee, missionaries from Brazil.

Although 3^rd and 4^th grade camp lasted only three days, its memories will leave a lasting impact on the campers and staff, too. No matter how long you spend at KSCC, God always seems to reach and to teach.

 For His Glory,

 

Leah Hill

KSCC Communications Liaison